On-Demand Youth Leadership Program: Vietnam
The On-Demand Youth Leadership Program (ODYLP): Vietnam is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). It brings together a group of 14 Vietnamese youth participants (ages 15-18), two Vietnamese adult mentors (ages 25 and older), and 14 U.S. Youth Ambassadors (ages 15-18) for a three-week, U.S.-based exchange focused on youth leadership, cultural exchange, and volunteerism.
This is a unique opportunity for high school students!
ODYLP: Vietnam provides opportunities to:
- Engage as youth leaders representing your country in a unique cultural exchange between Vietnam and the U.S
- Develop cross-cultural dialogue skills through engagement with new friends in the U.S.
- Explore and address global issues such as disaster preparedness & building stronger communities
- Design and implement community-based projects focused on youth volunteerism
The program is 20 days in length, with 15 days in Kansas City & 5 days in Washington DC.
PROGRAM DATES: JUNE 20 - JULY 9, 2025
US YOUTH AMBASSADORS:
ODYLP: Vietnam will provide 14 competitively selected U.S. Youth Ambassadors (based in Kansas City) with the opportunity to engage, learn, and grow alongside their Vietnamese peers. Throughout the exchange, U.S. Youth Ambassadors will serve as cultural ambassadors, welcoming and supporting the international participants while also developing essential youth leadership and cultural competency skills.
Program Details
Part 1: IN-PERSON EXCHANGE
Days 1-2: Arrive in the United States with a program orientation in the host community.
Days 3-15: Experience a vibrant cultural exchange with site visits, workshops, guest speakers, and cultural events. Interact with U.S. and Vietnamese peers to enhance your understanding of U.S.-Vietnam relations and participate in workshops that develop cross-cultural dialogue skills. Collaborate with local organizations focused on youth leadership, volunteerism, disaster preparedness, and building strong communities. Immerse yourself in American culture by staying with a U.S. host family, fostering lasting connections and future collaborations between U.S. and Vietnamese youth.
Days 15-20: Travel to Washington D.C., the capital of the United States. Visit the U.S Department of State and engage in cultural and recreational activities.
Part 2: SHARING YOUR EXPERIENCES
After your U.S. experience, you’ll have the opportunity to share your journey and apply your new cultural, dialogue, and leadership skills through a community-based project. This could involve educating peers on U.S. culture or organizing a local volunteer initiative in your community.
APPLICATION DETAILS
The application is NOW CLOSED. Applicants will be notified of their status by the end of March.
Is there a cost? There is NO application fee. The United States Government will pay for all travel to and from the United States, and all program-related costs for selected participants.
IMPORTANT NOTE - This program is only open to current students attending gifted high schools in the following provinces: Thua Thien Hue, Quang Tri, Quang Binh, Ha Tinh, Nghe An, Thanh Hoa, and Quang Nam. Applications from other schools and provinces will not be considered.
The On-Demand Youth Leadership Program (ODYLP) is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), administered by Legacy International.
Legacy International Programs:
